EPA Victoria has equipped its drones with a new aerial air pollutant detection and mapping system, meaning they can now sniff out pollution.
The new smell capability adds to the drone’s existing uses, including collecting water samples, detecting hotspots and fire risks in waste stockpiles, as well as inspecting landfills, illegal dumping sites and spills.
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay have some of the largest industrial precincts in Victoria and air pollution and industrial accidents have long been a concern for local residents.
EPA executive director operations Joss Crawford said the gas detection system would provide detailed information on the move, for EPA officers on the ground.
“The sniffer drone gives us real-time gas concentrations and distributions, that will help assess total emissions from the landfill, oil and gas refinery, wastewater treatment plant or other industrial site we’re inspecting,” Ms Crawford said.
“The new technology also enables us to pinpoint significant sources at these sites so we can then target the real cause of pollution and direct measures to do something about it,” she said.
The environmental watchdog said the new technology would aid its increased focus on landfills and help prevent typical problems associated with them such as gas, leachate and contamination of the land and water.
“EPA’s drones give our frontline officers practical tools that make the job of detecting and stopping pollution faster and more effective,” Ms Crawford said.
Cade Lucas.
